Navy Federal Credit Union

Thomas Hickey graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1925. He retired as a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Reno (CL-96)

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944

    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0934 (January 14, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Thomas Joseph Hickey (NSN: 0-59663), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in connection with operations against the enemy on 24 October 1944, in the vicinity of the Island of Luzon in the Philippines, while serving as Executive Officer aboard the Cruiser U.S.S. RENO (CL-96) In spite of frequent enemy air attacks and while his vessel was alongside a burning aircraft carrier he organized and directed the fire fighting operations from the cruiser in an attempt to extinguish fires on the burning vessel, despite adverse weather, a high wind fanning smoke and intense heat from the damaged carrier’s flight and hangar decks. He remained in exposed areas throughout the fire fighting operations in the face of imminent personal danger and cleared personnel on the bow and port side of the cruiser when the carrier’s flight deck raked the superstructure of his ship. By resourcefulness, leadership and high personal courage, he set an inspiring example which was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.